Amnesty calls for release of Tripoli University professor

Amnesty International has appealed to the authorities in Tripoli to urgently investigate the kidnapping of Tripoli University professor, Dr Salem Mohamed Beitelmal, who has been missing since 20 April.

The car of the 68-year-old, who has a pre-existing health condition requiring continuous medication, was found in the capital’s Siyyad distict. He was on his way to work at the Departement of Maritime Engineering and has lectured at Tripoli University for 20 years.

No trace of him has been found, despite the discovery of his car. Nor has the been any message from those who seized him.

Several militias control the area where he , some of which are nominally supportive to the UN-backed Government.

“Our concern is for his health and safety,” said one family member. “We call on all parties to act immediately and place all necessary pressure to ensure his quick and safe return to his family.’’

Amnesty International called on people to appeal for his release to Presidency Council head Faiez Serraj, his defence minister Al-Mahdi Al-Barghathi as well the leader of the so-called Government of national Salvation, Khalifa Ghwell.

Meanwhile, classes have resumed today at Tripoli University after the release of the deputy head of finance, Dr Said Mayouf. It was announced yesterday he had been freed after his kidnapping last week, though little other information has been released.